Archaeology And Heritage Awareness Month Events

For the entire month of March 2008, the Arizona State Parks State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is coordinating activities throughout the state for its annual celebration of Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month.

The highlight of Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month is the Archaeology Expo at the Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona in Tucson, March 1-2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both days are open to the public and admission to the Expo is free.

The Expo offers many attractions for those interested in archaeology and history. More than 35 special displays and booths will be featured. Designed by archaeological and historical organizations, museums, Native American tribes, state and federal agencies, and others the exhibits will allow visitors to participate as an archaeologist might; make crafts that teach how prehistoric Native Americans survived in the Southwest; or play games like the historic settlers did.

Living history re-enactors, Native American demonstrators and entertainers, interactive activities, and tours of archaeology laboratories and museum collection areas and exhibits will help make the past come alive. In addition, tours of local prehistoric and historic archaeological sites will be offered.

Free raffles featuring prizes of archaeology-related items will occur throughout both days. Ethnic foods will be available for purchase. The Expo will give visitors new insights into Arizona's many prehistoric, historic and contemporary cultures.

For more information, call (602) 542-4174 or visit www.azstateparks.com. Arizona State Museum is located on the University of Arizona campus at 1013 E. University Blvd. in Tucson, Arizona. Directions and parking information can be found on the Arizona State Museum Web site at www.statemuseum.arizona.edu.

The Archaeology Expo is sponsored by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), Arizona State Parks, and the Governor's Archaeology Advisory Commission.

For other events planned for the 2008 Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month include call (602) 542-4174 or visit www.azstateparks.com. Among the upcoming activities in Northern Arizona are:

Cordes Junction, 8:30 a.m., March 8: Interpretive Hike: Richinbar Pueblo. Reservations required - tour is limited to 25 people. Meet 45 miles north of Phoenix on I-17, at the windmill east of interstate and approximately one mile north of Sunset Rest area. Bring water, lunch, hiking shoes, and sunscreen. High-clearance vehicle required and includes a rough hike over rocky ground. Tour may be postponed in the event of bad weather. Contact Rem Hawes, (623) 580-5532 or rem_hawes@blm.gov.

Camp Verde area, 10 a.m., March 28: Walk with an Archaeologist. Join the park Archaeologist to learn the hidden details of what science can tell us about the lives of the ancient Sinagua. Walk will take place at Montezuma Well. Contact Paul Ollig, (928) 567-3322 ext 30, Paul_Ollig@nps.gov.

Clarkdale, 2 p.m., March 28: Walk with an Archaeologist. Join the park archaeologist to learn the hidden details of what science can tell us about the lives of the ancient Sinagua. Walk will take place at Tuzigoot National Monument, 25 W. Tuzigoot Road, Clarkdale. Contact Paul Ollig, (928) 567-3322 ext 30, Paul_Ollig@nps.gov.

Flagstaff area, each Saturday in March (call for times): Discovery Hikes: Wupatki National Monument (ages 10 and over.) A different route will be explored each Saturday. Reservations are required. Hike is 2-3 miles long and lasts for 2-3 hours. From Flagstaff, take US 89 north for 12 miles, turn right at sign for Sunset Crater Volcano - Wupatki National Monuments. Meet at the Visitor Center (21 miles from this junction). Contact Mary Blasing, (928) 679-2365, or Mary_Blasing@nps.gov.

For information about these programs or Arizona State Parks call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit the Web site at www.azstateparks.com.